Gunther attacked Cody Rhodes during the May 22, 2026 [1], episode of WWE SmackDown to set the stage for Saturday Night’s Main Event.
This episode served as the critical "go-home" show, a final broadcast used to build tension and finalize matchups before a major pay-per-view event. The physical confrontation between Gunther and Rhodes signals a high-stakes rivalry heading into the weekend.
The broadcast featured several key matchups and plot developments. In a prominent segment, Sami Zayn allowed Gunther to attack Cody Rhodes [1]. This interaction adds a layer of complexity to the interpersonal dynamics between the three competitors as they prepare for the upcoming event.
On the women's side, Tiffany Stratton defended her U.S. title. Stratton issued an open challenge to the locker room, eventually retaining her championship after a successful defense [1]. The match highlighted Stratton's current dominance in the division and her status as a primary target for other competitors.
Other notable appearances during the program included Chelsea Green, Ricky Saints, and Carmelo Hayes [1]. The episode aired across multiple broadcast platforms, including the ESPN App, Netflix, USA Network, CW Network, and Peacock [2].
The sequence of events on Friday night was designed to maximize viewer anticipation. By combining title defenses with unprovoked attacks, the program established the primary narratives that will drive the action at Saturday Night’s Main Event [1].
“Gunther attacked Cody Rhodes during the May 22, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown”
The use of a 'go-home' show allows WWE to pivot from long-term storytelling to immediate conflict, ensuring that the audience is emotionally invested in the specific matchups for the following pay-per-view. The alliance or neutrality of Sami Zayn during Gunther's attack on Rhodes suggests a shifting power dynamic that may result in a multi-man conflict or a betrayal during the main event.
